PROFILES NEIGHBOURHOOD: LITTLE PORTUGAL
Just Desserts Lesley Mattina is baking up a success story
By Roger Tumminieri
I was working at some notable restaurants in Toronto as well as Niagara and in the U.K. What inspired you to open a bakery?
Pastry chefs are a dying breed. Restaurants are outsourcing their desserts and breads. I wanted to be able to work for myself and take advantage of my knowledge of what chefs and restaurants are looking for. I speak their language more than a salesperson or someone without first-hand experience in the business. What obstacles have you faceD?
Well, money, of course. It’s incredibly difficult to get investors, especially the kind of investors you would want. Also, I am a pastry chef, not someone necessarily well versed in all things business, so I have experienced a rather steep learning curve.
ANY ADVICE FOR ASPIRING ENTREPRENEURS?
Trust only yourself. Learn what you need to learn before taking the leap so you don’t need to rely on others so heavily. And have fun – if you don’t think you can have fun doing what you are doing, it’s not worth it. What’s special about Little Portugal?
I love the feeling of old world and new world smashing together. On Easter, there is a procession down my street, very serious, very respectful. There is, of course, the cotton candy salesman walking side by side with various men dressed as Jesus. It is a sight to see. OMG Baked Goodness • omgbakedgoodness.com 1561 Dundas St. W. • 647.3485.OMG
OUTSTANDING AGENTS. OUTSTANDING RESULTS.
www.remax-central.ca RE/MAX CENTRAL CORP., Brokerage 1272 Dundas Street W., Toronto 416-530-1080 I N D E P E N D E N T LY OWNED AND OPERATED
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SPRING 2010 | ONmagazine.ca
photo by Meaghan Robidas
What were you doing before you opened OMG Baked Goodness?